Why "Chest voice" and "Head Voice" Are Bogus 😬

Written By: Chelsea

Chest voice and head voice are bogus singing terms...

Here's why I still use them:

Voice science has progressed a lot from the time we literally thought sound vibrated in our chest or our head.

Turns out those were just “sympathetic vibrations,” or how we perceived our voices resonating in our body.

So what singing terms do we use now?

Today, you’ll find singers and teachers who use terms like mode one, thick cords, TA-dominant, modal voice, and more for “chest voice.”

And for “head voice:” mode two, thin cords, falsetto, CT-dominant and more.

But personally… none of those terms resonate with me, or with many of my students (pun intended).

Chest voice and head voice may be outdated terms, but truthfully, the new ones aren’t much more accurate.

Turns out TA or CT dominance in a vocal register has been disproved, and “thick” or “thin” cords are kind of relative.

What terms SHOULD we use?

I use the terms “chest voice” and “head voice” because they reflect my perception of my own voice!

That’s how it feels in my body, and for many singers!

If those terms don’t do it for you, find language that does! After all, singing is a deeply personal experience. And you’re at liberty to explain and explore your voice however feels best to you.

Using science-y singing terminology doesn’t make you a better singer (or teacher).

Practicing singing does.

Feeling at a loss as to WHAT or HOW to practice singing?

I know you want to make the most of the time you spend working on your voice.

And that can feel really frustrating when after months or years of singing, your voice still feels hit or miss and you can't sing what you want, when you want.

My advice?

You need to stop following singing advice meant for someone else (!!) and get a lesson plan tailored to your unique voice.

Get all that, and live classes with me, inside my course, MASTER YOUR MIX

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Want more vocal technique tips and help for FREE?

Tune into the podcast next week: I'm answering a ton of your vocal technique and mix-related questions!

💙 Chelsea